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European Commission adopts a new strategy to put culture at the heart of EU international relations

European Commission adopts a new strategy to put culture at the heart of EU international relations

On 8 June 2016 the European Commission and EU High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini adopted the Strategy for international cultural relations. The strategy aims to contribute to making the EU a stronger actor on the global scene, one of the ten political priorities of the Commission.

EU High Representative / Vice-President Federica Mogherini said: "Culture has to be part and parcel of our foreign policy. Culture is a powerful tool to build bridges between people, notably the young, and reinforce mutual understanding. It can also be an engine for economic and social development. As we face common challenges, culture can help all of us, in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, stand together, to fight radicalisation, and build an alliance of civilisations against those trying to divide us. This is why cultural diplomacy must be at the core of our relationship with today's world."

European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, said: "Culture is the hidden gem of our foreign policy. It helps to promote dialogue and mutual understanding. Culture is therefore crucial in building long-term relationships with countries across the whole world: it has a great role to play in making the EU a stronger global actor."

The Strategy aims at encouraging cultural cooperation between the EU and its partner countries and promoting a global order based on peace, the rule of law, freedom of expression, mutual understanding and respect for fundamental values.

More information:

A full EC press release, memo, and Q&A on the Communication on international cultural relations are available on the EC's website.